S06.E03 - Centering Human Rights in Business - The Botswana Story

This episode explores the central role of Botswana’s diamond industry in the country’s economic success and its reputation for responsible, transparent mining. Diamonds remain Botswana’s dominant export, generating around 80% of export revenue and supporting national development through jobs, infrastructure investment, and environmental stewardship.
We also look at the growing importance of ESG – particularly the ‘social’ element – in global business, investment, and supply chains. With human rights due diligence now embedded in European sustainability frameworks, the extractive sector faces increasing expectations for ethical practice, transparency, and community protection.
The conversation examines how these issues connect to global markets, including Germany’s diamond-related technology sector and the challenges currently facing the German automotive industry. We also discuss concerns raised by African human rights bodies about extractive industries across the continent, where governance gaps, environmental damage, and community impacts remain pressing issues.
Drawing on research by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, we highlight how Botswana’s governance framework, while comparatively strong, still has room to improve in areas such as transparency, human rights, and regional cooperation. FNF Africa